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Ferrucci M, Milardi F, Passeri D, Mpungu LF, Francavilla A, Cagol M, Saibene T, Michieletto S, Toffanin M, Del Bianco P, Grossi U, Marchet A. ASO Visual Abstract: Intraoperative Ultrasound-Guided Conserving Surgery for Breast Cancer-No More Time for Blind Surgery. Ann Surg Oncol 2023; 30:6215-6216. [PMID: 37561349 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-023-14004-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Ferrucci
- Breast Surgery Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Padua, Italy.
| | - Francesco Milardi
- General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Daniele Passeri
- General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Francavilla
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Matteo Cagol
- Breast Surgery Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Padua, Italy
| | - Tania Saibene
- Breast Surgery Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Padua, Italy
| | - Silvia Michieletto
- Breast Surgery Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Padua, Italy
| | - Mariacristina Toffanin
- Breast Surgery Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Padua, Italy
| | - Paola Del Bianco
- Clinical Trials and Biostatistics, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Padua, Italy
| | - Ugo Grossi
- General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Alberto Marchet
- Breast Surgery Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Padua, Italy
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Ferrucci M, Milardi F, Passeri D, Mpungu LF, Francavilla A, Cagol M, Saibene T, Michieletto S, Toffanin M, Del Bianco P, Grossi U, Marchet A. Intraoperative Ultrasound-Guided Conserving Surgery for Breast Cancer: No More Time for Blind Surgery. Ann Surg Oncol 2023; 30:6201-6214. [PMID: 37606837 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-023-13900-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) still remains a blind surgery despite all available tumor localization methods. Intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) allows real-time visualization during all resection phases. METHODS This was a prospective observational cohort study conducted at the Veneto Institute of Oncology between January 2021 and June 2022. Patients with ductal carcinoma in situ, T1-2 invasive cancer, or post-neoadjuvant tumors, suitable for BCS, were recruited. All breast cancer lesion types were included, i.e. solid palpable, solid non-palpable, non-solid non-palpable, and post-neoadjuvant treatment residual lesions. Eligible participants were randomly assigned to either IOUS or traditional surgery (TS) in a 1:1 ratio. The main outcomes were surgical margin involvement, reoperation rate, closest margin width, main specimen and cavity shaving margin volumes, excess healthy tissue removal, and calculated resection ratio (CRR). RESULTS Overall, 160 patients were enrolled: 80 patients were allocated to the TS group and 80 to the IOUS group. IOUS significantly reduced specimen volumes (16.8 cm3 [10.5-28.9] vs. 24.3 cm3 [15.0-41.3]; p = 0.015), with wider closest resection margin width (2.0 mm [1.0-4.0] vs. 1.0 mm [0.5-2.0] after TS; p < 0.001). Tumor volume to specimen volume ratio was significantly higher after IOUS (4.7% [2.5-9.1] vs. 2.9% [0.8-5.2]; p < 0.001). IOUS yielded significantly better CRR (84.5% [46-120.8] vs. 114% [81.8-193.2] after TS; p < 0.001), lower involved margin rate (2.5 vs. 15%; p = 0.009) and reduced re-excision rate (2.5 vs. 12.5%; p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS IOUS allows real-time resection margin visualization and continuous control during BCS. It showed clear superiority over TS in both oncological and surgical outcomes for all breast cancer lesion types. These results disfavor the paradigm of blind breast surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Ferrucci
- Breast Surgery Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Padua, Italy.
| | - Francesco Milardi
- General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Daniele Passeri
- General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Francavilla
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of CardiacThoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Matteo Cagol
- Breast Surgery Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Padua, Italy
| | - Tania Saibene
- Breast Surgery Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Padua, Italy
| | - Silvia Michieletto
- Breast Surgery Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Padua, Italy
| | - Mariacristina Toffanin
- Breast Surgery Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Padua, Italy
| | - Paola Del Bianco
- Clinical Trials and Biostatistics, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Padua, Italy
| | - Ugo Grossi
- General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Alberto Marchet
- Breast Surgery Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Padua, Italy
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Ferrucci M, Milardi F, Marchet A. ASO Author Reflections: Is the Era of Blind Breast Surgery Coming to an End? IOUS (Intra-Operative Ultrasound-guided Surgery). Ann Surg Oncol 2023; 30:6217-6218. [PMID: 37530993 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-023-14007-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Ferrucci
- Breast Surgery Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Padua, Italy.
| | - Francesco Milardi
- General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Alberto Marchet
- Breast Surgery Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Padua, Italy
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Pantano I, Mauro D, Simone D, Costa L, Capocotta D, Raimondo M, Birra D, Cuomo G, D'Errico T, Ferrucci M, Comentale F, Italiano G, Moscato P, Pappone N, Russo R, Scarpato S, Tirri R, Buono P, Postiglione A, Guida R, Scarpa R, Trama U, Tirri E, Ciccia F. The data project: a shared approach between stakeholders of the healthcare system in definition of a therapeutic algorithm for inflammatory arthritis. Reumatismo 2023; 74. [PMID: 36942981 DOI: 10.4081/reumatismo.2022.1528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases or RMD [rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA)] are systemic inflammatory diseases for which there are no biomarkers capable of predicting treatments with a higher likelihood of response in naive patients. In addition, the expiration of the anti-TNF blocking drugs' patents has resulted in the availability of anti-TNF biosimilar drugs with the same efficacy and safety than originators but at significantly reduced prices. To guarantee a personalized therapeutic approach to RMD treatment, a board of rheumatologists and stakeholders from the Campania region, Italy, developed a clinically applicable arthritis therapeutic algorithm to guide rheumatologists (DATA project). The general methodology relied on a Delphi technique forecast to produce a set of statements that summarized the experts' consensus. Selected clinical scenarios were discussed in light of the available evidence, and there were two rounds of voting on the therapeutic approaches. Separate discussions were held regarding rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. The decision-making factors for each disease were clinical presentation, demographics, and comorbidities. In this paper, we describe a virtuous process between rheumatologists and healthcare system stakeholders that resulted in the development of a shared therapeutic algorithm for RMD patients naive to bDMARDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Pantano
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Precision Medicine, University della Campania 'L. Vanvitelli', Naples.
| | - D Mauro
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Precision Medicine, University della Campania 'L. Vanvitelli', Naples.
| | - D Simone
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Precision Medicine, University della Campania 'L. Vanvitelli', Naples.
| | - L Costa
- Rheumatology Unit, University Federico II of Naples, Naples.
| | - D Capocotta
- Rheumatology Unit, San Giovanni Bosco Hospital, Local Health Company, ASL NA1, Naples.
| | - M Raimondo
- Internal Medicine, S. Giuseppe Moscato Hospital, Avellino.
| | - D Birra
- Rheumatology Service, San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi Hospital, Salerno.
| | - G Cuomo
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Precision Medicine, University della Campania 'L. Vanvitelli', Naples.
| | - T D'Errico
- Rheumatologist, Local Health Company, ASL NA1, Naples.
| | - M Ferrucci
- Rheumatology Unit, Rummo Hospital, Benevento.
| | - F Comentale
- Rheumatologist, Local Health Company, ASL NA3 Sud, Naples.
| | - G Italiano
- Internal Medicine, Sant'Anna e San Sebastiano Hospital, Caserta.
| | - P Moscato
- Rheumatology Service, San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi Hospital, Salerno.
| | - N Pappone
- Rheumatological Rehabilitation Unit, Maugeri Foundation, Telese.
| | - R Russo
- Rheumatology Unit, Antonio Cardarelli Hospital of Naples, Naples.
| | - S Scarpato
- Rheumatology Unit, Scarlato Hospital, Scafati (SA).
| | - R Tirri
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Precision Medicine, University della Campania 'L. Vanvitelli', Naples.
| | - P Buono
- STAFF 91 Unit, Regione Campania, Naples.
| | - A Postiglione
- General Direction for Health Protection and Coordination of the Regional Health System, Regione Campania, Naples.
| | - R Guida
- Drug Policy and Devices Unit, Regione Campania Health Department, Naples.
| | - R Scarpa
- Rheumatology Unit, University Federico II of Naples, Naples.
| | - U Trama
- Drug Policy and Devices Unit, Regione Campania Health Department, Naples.
| | - E Tirri
- Rheumatology Unit, San Giovanni Bosco Hospital, Local Health Company, ASL NA1, Naples.
| | - F Ciccia
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Precision Medicine, University della Campania 'L. Vanvitelli', Naples.
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Zurlo IV, Di Salvatore M, Lucchetti D, Colella F, Ricciardi Tenore C, Perelli L, Ferrucci M, Basso M, Vellone M, Calegari MA, Salvatore L, Pozzo C, Giuliante F, Cassano A, Sgambato A, Tortora G. Exosomes as novel prognostic biomarker in potentially resectable colorectal cancer liver metastatic (CCLM) patients. J Clin Oncol 2019. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2019.37.15_suppl.3558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
3558 Background: Target therapies and new surgical strategies deeply modify the history of CCLM patients (pts). Several prognostic scoring systems have been developed but no one is able to identify pts who should be excluded from a potentially useless surgery. Currently research is committed in identifying early biomarkers able to discern pts who could benefit from an aggressive approach. Exosomes are arising as promising biomarkers in cancer. The aim of this pivotal study was to analyze the association among exosome levels during CCLM-pts treatment, clinical outcomes and the KRAS status. Methods: We enrolled 22 pts with CCLM candidate to preoperative chemotherapy (pCT) and subsequent liver surgery. A blood sample was collected before pCT, after surgery, monthly during follow-up and at progression (PD). Exosomes were isolated by ultracentrifugation and characterized by standard methods. Exosomes concentration was assessed by Bradford assay. We adopted ddPCR™ KRAS G12/G13 Screening Kit to evaluate the KRAS status in exosomal DNA (e-DNA). Results: 22 CCLM pts received pCT and underwent liver surgery: 5 major hepatectomies and 17 multiple liver resections. Changes in exosomes plasma levels were found to correlate with each treatment step,resulting reduced after pCT and surgery and increased at PD, respectively (p = 0.0026). Pts with higher baseline exosome levels experimented shorter PFS than those with lower levels (p = 0.0033 HR 0.2). No association was found between exosome levels after liver surgery and disease free interval nor overall survival. KRAS status on e-DNA was evaluated on 10 pts in baseline, in pCT, after surgery, and in PD samples. In 8 out of 10 pts e-DNA displayed the same mutational status than the one detected on tumor DNA. Changes in e-DNA KRAS copies were found statistically significant in pCT vs surgery and pCT vs PD (p = 0.039; p = 0.04). Conclusions: Our study suggests a prognostic role of exosome levels in CCLM pts. Moreover, we showed that KRAS mutational status could be monitored during the post-surgery follow up by analyzing e-DNA. Overall, our data confirm the potential role of exosomes in liquid biopsy tool to monitor molecular changes during the treatment of CCLM pts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Donatella Lucchetti
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Filomena Colella
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Perelli
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ferrucci
- Unità di Chirurgia Epatobiliare, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Basso
- Oncologia Medica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Vellone
- Unità di Chirurgia Epatobiliare, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Lisa Salvatore
- Oncologia Medica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Carmelo Pozzo
- Oncologia Medica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Felice Giuliante
- Unità di Chirurgia Epatobiliare, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cassano
- Oncologia Medica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Sgambato
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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Bucci D, Busceti C, Biagioni F, Ferrucci M, Nicoletti F, Fornai F. Step by step procedure for stereological counts of catecholamine neurons in the mouse brainstem. Arch Ital Biol 2019. [DOI: 10.12871/00039829201844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Bucci D, Busceti CL, Biagioni F, Ferrucci M, Nicoletti F, Fornai F. Step by step procedure for stereological counts of catecholamine neurons in the mouse brainstem. Arch Ital Biol 2018; 156:171-182. [PMID: 30796761 DOI: 10.12871/aib.v156i4.4673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
This work represents a detailed methodological description of automated stereology dedicated to all brainstem catecholamine nuclei. Each tyrosine-hydroxylase-containing nucleus was analyzed to count the following features: i) nuclear volume; ii) neuron number per nucleus; iii) neuron area per each nucleus.A number of reports described catecholamine-containing neurons within brainstem of a variety of animal species. In a recently published work, we reported a simultaneous quantitative analysis of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons in the whole brainstem. Here we report the detailed step by step stereological procedure which allowed to perform a morphometric assessment of each catecholamine nucleus. This protocol provides the method chance to analyze simultaneously various morphological features in the same experimental setting to avoid variability when single nuclei are analyzed in different experiments. This improves the reliability of comparisons between brainstem catecholamine nuclei within the reticular formation to increase our insight about the key functional roles played by these cells in the mammalian brain. In fact, despite being a discrete number of neurons scattered in a small brain area, these cells provide remarkable axonal collateralization which allows the modulation of neuronal activity in the entire CNS. The step by step description of brainstem stereology provided here is reported in order to share these methods and enhance quantitative studies about these fascinating nuclei. At the same time we aim to provide a tool to be used routinely when analyzing the morphology and physiology of brainstem catecholamine cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - F Fornai
- Human Anatomy, Dept of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa (Italy) -
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Ardito F, Panettieri E, Vellone M, Ferrucci M, Coppola A, Silvestrini N, Arena V, Adducci E, Capelli G, Vecchio FM, Giovannini I, Nuzzo G, Giuliante F. The impact of R1 resection for colorectal liver metastases on local recurrence and overall survival in the era of modern chemotherapy: An analysis of 1,428 resection areas. Surgery 2018; 165:712-720. [PMID: 30482518 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2018.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is still unclear whether a positive surgical margin after resection of colorectal liver metastases remains a poor prognostic factor in the era of modern perioperative chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether preoperative chemotherapy has an impact on reducing local recurrence after R1 resection, and the impact of local recurrence on overall survival. METHODS Between 2000 and 2014, a total of 421 patients underwent resection for colorectal liver metastases at our unit after preoperative chemotherapy. The overall number of analyzed resection areas was 1,428. RESULTS The local recurrence rate was 12.8%, significantly higher after R1 resection than after R0 (24.5% vs 8.7%; P < .001). These results were also confirmed in patients with response to preoperative chemotherapy (23.1% after R1 vs 11.2% after R0; P < .001). At multivariate analysis, R1 resection was the only independent risk factor for local recurrence (P < .001). At the analysis of the 1,428 resection areas, local recurrence significantly decreased according to the increase of the surgical margin width (from 19.1% in 0 mm margin to 2.4% in ≥10 mm). At multivariable logistic regression analysis for overall survival, the presence of local recurrence showed a significant negative impact on 5-year overall survival (P < .001). CONCLUSION Surgical margin recurrence after modern preoperative chemotherapy for colorectal liver metastases was still significantly higher after R1 resection than it was after R0 resection. Local recurrence showed a negative prognostic impact on overall survival. R0 resection should be recommended whenever technically achievable, as well as in patients treated by modern preoperative chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Ardito
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Unit, Fondazione "Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli," Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
| | - Elena Panettieri
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Unit, Fondazione "Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli," Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Vellone
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Unit, Fondazione "Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli," Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ferrucci
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Unit, Fondazione "Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli," Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Coppola
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Unit, Fondazione "Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli," Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Silvestrini
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Unit, Fondazione "Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli," Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Arena
- Department of Pathology, Fondazione "Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli," Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrica Adducci
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Fondazione "Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli," Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Fabio M Vecchio
- Department of Pathology, Fondazione "Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli," Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Ivo Giovannini
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Unit, Fondazione "Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli," Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Gennaro Nuzzo
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Unit, Fondazione "Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli," Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Felice Giuliante
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Unit, Fondazione "Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli," Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
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Ferrucci M, Ardito F, Coppola A, Panettieri E, Vellone M, Giuliante F. Role of R1 liver resections for colorectal metastases in the era of modern chemotherapy. Eur J Surg Oncol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2018.01.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Ferrucci M, Ryskalin L, Biagioni F, Gambardella S, Busceti CL, Falleni A, Lazzeri G, Fornai F. Methamphetamine increases Prion Protein and induces dopamine-dependent expression of protease resistant PrPsc. Arch Ital Biol 2017; 155:81-97. [PMID: 28715601 DOI: 10.12871/000398292017129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The cellular prion protein (PrPc) is physiologically expressed within selective brain areas of mammals. Alterations in the secondary structure of this protein lead to scrapie-like prion protein (PrPsc), which precipitates in the cell. PrPsc has been detected in infectious, inherited or sporadic neurodegenerative disorders. Prion protein metabolism is dependent on autophagy and ubiquitin proteasome. Despite not being fully elucidated, the physiological role of prion protein relates to chaperones which rescue cells under stressful conditions.Methamphetamine (METH) is a widely abused drug which produces oxidative stress in various brain areas causing mitochondrial alterations and protein misfolding. These effects produce a compensatory increase of chaperones while clogging cell clearing pathways. In the present study, we explored whether METH administration modifies the amount of PrPc. Since high levels of PrPc when the clearing systems are clogged may lead to its misfolding into PrPsc, we further tested whether METH exposure triggers the appearance of PrPsc. We analysed the effects of METH and dopamine administration in PC12 and striatal cells by using SDS-PAGE Coomassie blue, immune- histochemistry and immune-gold electron microscopy. To analyze whether METH administration produces PrPsc aggregates we used antibodies directed against PrP following exposure to proteinase K or sarkosyl which digest folded PrPc but misfolded PrPsc. We fond that METH triggers PrPsc aggregates in DA-containing cells while METH is not effective in primary striatal neurons which do not produce DA. In the latter cells exogenous DA is needed to trigger PrPsc accumulation similarly to what happens in DA containing cells under the effects of METH. The present findings, while fostering novel molecular mechanisms involving prion proteins, indicate that, cell pathology similar to prion disorders can be mimicked via a DA-dependent mechanism by a drug of abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - F Fornai
- Human Anatomy, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy - Tel: +39 050 2218611 -
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De Martino M, Quarta G, Melpignano A, Guadalupi C, Vullo C, Ferrucci M, Saimot A, Vierucci A. Antibodies to HTLV-III and the Lymphadenopathy
Syndrome in Multitransfused β-Thalassemia Patients. Vox Sang 2017. [DOI: 10.1159/000466379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Franceschini G, Sanchez AM, Di Leone A, Scaldaferri A, Ferrucci M, Mulè A, Costantini M, Masetti R. Penile cancer metastasizing to the breast: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2016; 10:53. [PMID: 26961850 PMCID: PMC4785622 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-016-0829-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Penile cancer is a relatively uncommon cancer in developed nations. Metastatic disease is rare, but lymphatic or vascular spreading has been previously reported to the liver, lungs, bones, brain, heart and skin. CASE PRESENTATION We report a case of a 49-year-old white man with a penile squamous cell carcinoma previously treated with partial penectomy and bilateral inguinal lymph node dissection, followed by adjuvant therapy. Three years after treatment, the primitive neoplasm metastasized to the breast, presenting as a painful lump. Differentials of a secondary versus a malignant primary tumor were considered and in view of a diagnostic dilemma the lesion was excised. CONCLUSIONS This case is unusual in its site of metastatic progression as well as in its pattern of clinical presentation. Awareness of such a condition by physicians is mandatory in order to make an early diagnosis and start prompt and correct therapeutic planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Franceschini
- Multidisciplinary Breast Center, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Policlinico Agostino Gemelli, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 8, Roma, 00168, Italy.
| | - Alejandro Martin Sanchez
- Multidisciplinary Breast Center, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Policlinico Agostino Gemelli, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 8, Roma, 00168, Italy
| | - Alba Di Leone
- Multidisciplinary Breast Center, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Policlinico Agostino Gemelli, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 8, Roma, 00168, Italy
| | - Assunta Scaldaferri
- Multidisciplinary Breast Center, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Policlinico Agostino Gemelli, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 8, Roma, 00168, Italy
| | - Massimo Ferrucci
- Multidisciplinary Breast Center, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Policlinico Agostino Gemelli, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 8, Roma, 00168, Italy
| | - Antonio Mulè
- Multidisciplinary Breast Center, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Policlinico Agostino Gemelli, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 8, Roma, 00168, Italy
| | - Melania Costantini
- Multidisciplinary Breast Center, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Policlinico Agostino Gemelli, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 8, Roma, 00168, Italy
| | - Riccardo Masetti
- Multidisciplinary Breast Center, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Policlinico Agostino Gemelli, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 8, Roma, 00168, Italy
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14
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Toti L, Bartalucci A, Ferrucci M, Fulceri F, Lazzeri G, Lenzi P, Soldani P, Gobbi P, La Torre A, Gesi M. High-intensity exercise training induces morphological and biochemical changes in skeletal muscles. Biol Sport 2013; 30:301-9. [PMID: 24744502 PMCID: PMC3944543 DOI: 10.5604/20831862.1077557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study we investigated the effect of two different exercise protocols on fibre composition and metabolism of two specific muscles of mice: the quadriceps and the gastrocnemius. Mice were run daily on a motorized treadmill, at a velocity corresponding to 60% or 90% of the maximal running velocity. Blood lactate and body weight were measured during exercise training. We found that at the end of training the body weight significantly increased in high-intensity exercise mice compared to the control group (P=0.0268), whereas it decreased in low-intensity exercise mice compared to controls (P=0.30). In contrast, the food intake was greater in both trained mice compared to controls (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001 for low-intensity and high-intensity exercise mice, respectively). These effects were accompanied by a progressive reduction in blood lactate levels at the end of training in both the exercised mice compared with controls (P=0.03 and P < 0.0001 for low-intensity and high-intensity exercise mice, respectively); in particular, blood lactate levels after high-intensity exercise were significantly lower than those measured in low-intensity exercise mice (P=0.0044). Immunoblotting analysis demonstrated that high-intensity exercise training produced a significant increase in the expression of mitochondrial enzymes contained within gastrocnemius and quadriceps muscles. These changes were associated with an increase in the amount of slow fibres in both these muscles of high-intensity exercise mice, as revealed by the counts of slow fibres stained with specific antibodies (P < 0.0001 for the gastrocnemius; P=0.0002 for the quadriceps). Our results demonstrate that high-intensity exercise, in addition to metabolic changes consisting of a decrease in blood lactate and body weight, induces an increase in the mitochondrial enzymes and slow fibres in different skeletal muscles of mice, which indicates an exercise-induced increase in the aerobic metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Toti
- Department of Traslational Research and New Technology in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy ; These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - A Bartalucci
- Department of Traslational Research and New Technology in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy ; These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - M Ferrucci
- Department of Traslational Research and New Technology in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - F Fulceri
- Department of Traslational Research and New Technology in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - G Lazzeri
- Department of Traslational Research and New Technology in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - P Lenzi
- Department of Traslational Research and New Technology in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - P Soldani
- Department of Traslational Research and New Technology in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - P Gobbi
- Department of Earth, Life and Environment Sciences, Human Morphology Division, University of Urbino, Italy
| | - A La Torre
- Department of Traslational Research and New Technology in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - M Gesi
- Department of Traslational Research and New Technology in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
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15
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Bartalucci A, Ferrucci M, Fulceri F, Lazzeri G, Lenzi P, Toti L, Serpiello FR, La Torre A, Gesi M. High-intensity exercise training produces morphological and biochemical changes in adrenal gland of mice. Histol Histopathol 2012; 27:753-69. [PMID: 22473696 DOI: 10.14670/hh-27.753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The effects of training are dependent on complex, adaptive changes which are induced by acute physical exercise at different levels. In particular, evidence shows that the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenocortical axis, as well as the sympatho-adrenomedullary system, is mainly involved in mediating the physiological effects of physical exercise. The aim of the present study was to investigate, through a morphological and biochemical approach, the effects of training on the adrenal gland of mice, following two different protocols consisting of either low- or high-intensity training. Mice were run daily on a motorised treadmill for 8 weeks, at a velocity corresponding to 60% (low-intensity exercise) or 90% (high-intensity exercise) of the maximal running velocity previously determined by an incremental exercise test. We found that physical exercise produced an increase in the adrenal gland size compared with the control (sedentary) mice. The increase was 31.04% for mice that underwent high-intensity exercise and 10.08% for mice that underwent low intensity exercise, and this appeared to be the result of an increase in the area of both the adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla. Morphological analysis of the adrenal cortex showed that both types of exercise produced an increase in cytoplasmic vacuoles in steroidogenic cells, appearing more abundant after high-intensity exercise. No change was found in the reticulate zone. In the adrenal medulla, despite the absence of morphological changes, immunohistochemistry for tyrosine hydroxylase, dopamine β-hydroxylase and phenyl-ethanolamine-N-methyltransferase demonstrated an increased immunopositivity for these cathecolamine-synthesizing enzymes after intense exercise. These results were confirmed by immunoblot accompanied by densitometric analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bartalucci
- Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Italy
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16
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Nuzzo G, Giuliante F, Ardito F, Giovannini I, Aldrighetti L, Belli G, Bresadola F, Calise F, Dalla Valle R, D'Amico DF, Gennari L, Giulini SM, Guglielmi A, Jovine E, Pellicci R, Pernthaler H, Pinna AD, Puleo S, Torzilli G, Capussotti L, Cillo U, Ercolani G, Ferrucci M, Mastrangelo L, Portolani N, Pulitanò C, Ribero D, Ruzzenente A, Scuderi V, Federico B. Improvement in perioperative and long-term outcome after surgical treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma: results of an Italian multicenter analysis of 440 patients. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 147:26-34. [PMID: 22250108 DOI: 10.1001/archsurg.2011.771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate improvements in operative and long-term results following surgery for hilar cholangiocarcinoma. DESIGN Retrospective multicenter study including 17 Italian hepatobiliary surgery units. PATIENTS A total of 440 patients who underwent resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma from January 1, 1992, through December 31, 2007. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Postoperative mortality, morbidity, overall survival, and disease-free survival. RESULTS Postoperative mortality and morbidity after liver resection were 10.1% and 47.6%, respectively. At multivariate logistic regression, extent of resection (right or right extended hepatectomy) and intraoperative blood transfusion were independent predictors of postoperative mortality (P = .03 and P = .006, respectively); in patients with jaundice, mortality was also higher without preoperative biliary drainage than with biliary drainage (14.3% vs 10.7%). During the study period, there was an increasingly aggressive approach, with more frequent caudate lobectomies, vascular resections, and resections for advanced tumors (T stage of 3 or greater and tumors with poor differentiation). Despite the aggressive approach, the blood transfusion rate decreased from 81.0% to 53.2%, and mortality slightly decreased from 13.6% to 10.8%. Median overall survival significantly increased from 16 to 30 months (P = .05). At multivariate analysis, R1 resection, lymph node metastases, and T stage of 3 or greater independently predicted overall and disease-free survival. CONCLUSIONS Surgery for hilar cholangiocarcinoma has improved with decreased operative risk despite a more aggressive surgical policy. Long-term survival after liver resection has also increased, despite the inclusion of cases with more advanced hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Preoperative biliary drainage was a safe strategy before right or right extended hepatectomy in patients with jaundice. Pathologic factors independently predicted overall and disease-free survival at multivariate analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennaro Nuzzo
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Unit, A. Gemelli Hospital, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
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17
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Natale G, Lazzeri G, Blandizzi C, Ferrucci M, Del Tacca M. Differential distribution of transforming growth factor-a immunohistochemistry within whole gastric mucosa in rats. Eur J Histochem 2009. [DOI: 10.4081/847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-a (TGF-a) plays an important role in both proliferation and differentiation of mucosal cells at the gastrointestinal level, including stomach, where it is constitutively produced. This study evaluated the immunohistochemical distribution of TGF-a within whole gastric mucosa in rats, through the examination of seriate sections. Each stomach was opened along the greater curvature, pinned upon a cork plate, fixed in formalin and cut in 2-mm parallel strips which were sequentially superimposed on a glass slide. Sections were immunostained for TGF-a and pictures were taken from three areas: greater and lesser curvature; mucosa lying between the two curvatures. The sections were graded on the basis of the intensity of TGF-a staining, which was scored as follows: 0) no staining; 1) weakly positive; 2) intensely positive. The percent number of immunopositive cells and a mean intensity were calculated. Gastric mucosa showed a marked immunopositivity to TGF-a, mainly in parietal cells whose cytoplasm displayed moderate to intense staining. Positive cells (and the mean intensity) of total mucosa were 15.7±6.1% (1.13±0.42). However, they were not uniformly distributed, being 26.3±1.9% (1.67±0.24) in the mucosa lying between the two curvatures, 12.4±2.5% (1.52±0.22) along the lesser curvature and 8.3±2.1% (0.31±0.17) along the greater curvature. These results show that parietal cells of rat gastric mucosa exhibit immunoreactivity to TGF-a. Considering the gastroprotective effects of this factor, its non-homogeneous distribution within different areas may be of importance in understanding the lesion pattern of gastric damage after the administration of noxious agents.
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18
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Ferrucci M, Busceti CL, Nori SL, Lazzeri G, Bovolin P, Falleni A, Mastroiacovo F, Pompili E, Fumagalli L, Paparelli A, Fornai F. Methamphetamine induces ectopic expression of tyrosine hydroxylase and increases noradrenaline levels within the cerebellar cortex. Neuroscience 2007; 149:871-84. [PMID: 17959316 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2007.07.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2007] [Revised: 06/22/2007] [Accepted: 07/19/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Methamphetamine produces locomotor activation and typical stereotyped motor patterns, which are commonly related with increased catecholamine activity within the basal ganglia, including the dorsal and ventral striatum. Since the cerebellum is critical for movement control, and for learning of motor patterns, we hypothesized that cerebellar catecholamines might be a target of methamphetamine. To test this experimental hypothesis we injected methamphetamine into C57 Black mice at the doses of 5 mg/kg two or three times, 2 h apart. This dosing regimen is known to be toxic for striatal dopamine terminals. However, we found that in the cerebellum, methamphetamine increased the expression of the primary transcript of the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) gene, followed by an increased expression of the TH protein. Increased TH was localized within Purkinje cells, where methamphetamine increased the number of TH-immunogold particles, and produced a change in the distribution of the enzyme by increasing the cytoplasmic percentage. Increased TH expression was accompanied by a slight increase in noradrenaline content. This effect was highly site-specific for the cortex of posterior vermal lobules, while only slight effects were detectable in the hemispheres. The present data indicate that the cerebellum does represent a target of methamphetamine, which produces specific and fine alterations of the catecholamine system involving synthesis, amount, and compartmentalization of TH as well as increased noradrenaline levels. This may be relevant for motor alterations induced by methamphetamine. In line with this, inherited cerebellar movement disorders in various animal species including humans are associated with increased TH immunoreactivity within intrinsic neurons of the same lobules of the cerebellar cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ferrucci
- Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Via Roma, 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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19
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Fulceri F, Biagioni F, Ferrucci M, Lazzeri G, Bartalucci A, Galli V, Ruggieri S, Paparelli A, Fornai F. Abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) following pulsatile dopaminergic stimulation: Severe deterioration and morphological correlates following the loss of locus coeruleus neurons. Brain Res 2007; 1135:219-29. [PMID: 17222394 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2006.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2006] [Revised: 12/06/2006] [Accepted: 12/08/2006] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Parkinsonian patients are treated with dopamine replacement therapy (typically, intermittent administration of the dopamine precursor L-DOPA); however, this is associated with the onset of abnormal involuntary movements, which seriously impair the quality of life. The molecular mechanisms underlying abnormal involuntary movements represent an intense field of investigation in the area of neurobiology of disease, although their aetiology remains unclear. Apart from the fine cellular mechanisms, the pathways responsible for the generation of abnormal involuntary movements may involve changes in neurotransmitter systems. A potential candidate is noradrenaline, since a severe loss of this neurotransmitter characterizes Parkinson's disease, and noradrenergic drugs produce a symptomatic relief of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia. In previous studies we found that pulsatile dopamine release, in the absence of the physiological noradrenaline innervation, produces motor alterations and ultrastructural changes within striatal neurons. In the present study we demonstrate that a unilateral damage to the noradrenaline system anticipates the onset and worsens the severity of L-DOPA-induced contralateral abnormal involuntary movements in hemi-parkinsonian rats. Similarly, ubiquitin-positive striatal ultrastructural changes occur in unilaterally dopamine-depleted, noradrenaline-deficient rats following chronic L-DOPA administration. This study confirms a significant impact of the noradrenergic system in the natural history of Parkinson's disease and extends its role to the behavioural and morphological effects taking place during pulsatile dopamine replacement therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Fulceri
- Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Italy
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20
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Fornai F, Ferrucci M, Gesi M, Bandettini di Poggio A, Giorgi FS, Biagioni F, Paparelli A. A hypothesis on prion disorders: Are infectious, inherited, and sporadic causes so distinct? Brain Res Bull 2006; 69:95-100. [PMID: 16533656 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2005.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2005] [Accepted: 12/06/2005] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Prion diseases include a group of either sporadic, inherited or infectious disorders characterized by spongiform neurodegeneration and reactive glyosis in several brain regions. Whatever the origin, the neuropathological hallmark of prion diseases is the presence of brain aggregates containing an altered isoform of a cellular protein, named prion protein. Recent findings show the potential toxicity of the normal cellular prion protein, which occurs when its physiological metabolism is altered. In particular, several studies demonstrate that accumulation of the prion protein in the cytosol can be a consequence of an increased amount of misfolded prion proteins, a derangement of the correct protein trafficking or a reduced activity of the ubiquitin-proteasome system. The same effects can be a consequence of a mutation in the gene coding for the prion protein. In all these conditions, one assists to accumulation and self-replication of insoluble prion proteins which leads to a severe disease resembling what observed following typical "prion infections". This article provides an opinion aimed at reconciling the classic Prusiner's theory concerning the "prion concepts" with the present knowledge arising from experimental studies on neurodegenerative disorders, suggesting a few overlapping steps in the pathogenesis of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Fornai
- Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
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21
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Giorgi FS, Pizzanelli C, Ferrucci M, Lazzeri G, Faetti M, Giusiani M, Pontarelli F, Busceti CL, Murri L, Fornai F. Previous exposure to (±) 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine produces long-lasting alteration in limbic brain excitability measured by electroencephalogram spectrum analysis, brain metabolism and seizure susceptibility. Neuroscience 2005; 136:43-53. [PMID: 16203101 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2005.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2005] [Revised: 07/04/2005] [Accepted: 07/19/2005] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Seizures represent the most common neurological emergency in ecstasy abusers; however, no study addressed whether (+/-) 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine ("ecstasy") per se might produce long-lasting alterations in brain excitability related to a pro-convulsant effect. C57 Black mice were treated with three regimens of (+/-) 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (5mg/kg x 2 for 1, 2 or three consecutive days). Following the last dose of (+/-) 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, during a time interval of 8 weeks, the following procedures were carried out: 1) cortical electroencephalographic recordings, including power-spectrum analysis; 2) administration of sub-threshold doses of kainate; 3) measurement of regional [(14)C]2-deoxyglucose uptake; 4) monoamine assay. We demonstrate that all mice pre-treated with (+/-) 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine showed long-lasting encephalographic changes with frequencies peaking at 3-4.5 Hz at the power-spectrum analysis. This is concomitant with latent brain hyperexcitability within selected limbic brain regions, as shown by seizure facilitation and long-lasting latent metabolic hyperactivity which can be unraveled by phasic glutamate stimulation. This study sheds new light into the brain targets of (+/-) 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine and discloses the occurrence of (+/-) 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-induced latent hyperexcitability within limbic areas, while it might provide a model to study in controlled experimental conditions limbic seizures and status epilepticus in C57 Black mice. Persistent changes produced by (+/-) 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine in limbic brain excitability might be responsible for seizures and limbic-related disorders in chronic (+/-) 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine abusers.
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Affiliation(s)
- F S Giorgi
- Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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22
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Fornai F, Gesi M, Lenzi P, Ferrucci M, Lazzeri G, Pizzanelli C, Pellegrini A, Battaglia G, Ruggieri S, Paparelli A. Effects of Repeated Low Doses of MDMA on EEG Activity and Fluoro-Jade B Histochemistry. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2004; 1025:181-8. [PMID: 15542716 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1316.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The psychostimulant 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "ecstasy") is an amphetamine derivative that is widely abused. In previous studies, depending on the animal species, neurotoxicity has been demonstrated for either serotonin (5-HT) or/and dopamine (DA) nerve endings. These studies focused on the basal ganglia circuitry; however, in humans chronic abuse of MDMA often results in neurological symptoms that last after MDMA withdrawal and are not related to the extrapyramidal system such as electroencephalographic (EEG) abnormalities and cognitive impairment. These alterations might be due to the concomitant intake of other illicit compounds, the consequence of MDMA-induced hyperthermia, or to a primary neurotoxicity directed to extrastriatal regions. These observations call for a more in-depth analysis on the potential involvement of brain areas outside the basal ganglia in the toxic effects induced primarily by MDMA. In the present study, we treated C57Black mice chronically (25 days) with daily injections of MDMA (2.5 mg/kg). During treatments, mice were monitored in order to detect behavioral modifications, and epidural electrodes were installed to perform EEG recording. Behavioral data showed a sensitization as measured by locomotor activity, which related to progressive and long-lasting EEG changes and neuronal degeneration within the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Fornai
- Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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23
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Fornai F, Lenzi P, Gesi M, Ferrucci M, Lazzeri G, Capobianco L, de Blasi A, Battaglia G, Nicoletti F, Ruggieri S, Paparelli A. Similarities between Methamphetamine Toxicity and Proteasome Inhibition. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2004; 1025:162-70. [PMID: 15542714 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1316.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The monoamine neurotoxin methamphetamine (METH) is commonly used as an experimental model for Parkinson's disease (PD). In fact, METH-induced striatal dopamine (DA) loss is accompanied by damage to striatal nerve endings arising from the substantia nigra. On the other hand, PD is characterized by neuronal inclusions within nigral DA neurons. These inclusions contain alpha-synuclein, ubiquitin, and various components of a metabolic pathway named the ubiquitin-proteasome (UP) system, while mutation of genes coding for various components of the UP system is responsible for inherited forms of PD. In this presentation we demonstrate for the first time the occurrence of neuronal inclusions in vivo in the nigrostriatal system of the mouse following administration of METH. We analyzed, in vivo and in vitro, the shape and the fine structure of these neuronal bodies by using transmission electron microscopy. Immunocytochemical investigation showed that these METH-induced cytosolic inclusions stain for ubiquitin, alpha-synuclein, and UP-related molecules, thus sharing similar components with Lewy bodies occurring in PD, with an emphasis on enzymes belonging to the UP system. In line with this, blockade of this multicatalytic pathway by the selective inhibitor epoxomycin produced cell inclusions with similar features. Moreover, using a multifaceted pharmacological approach, we could demonstrate the need for endogenous DA in order to form neuronal inclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Fornai
- Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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24
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Fornai F, Lenzi P, Frenzilli G, Gesi M, Ferrucci M, Lazzeri G, Biagioni F, Nigro M, Falleni A, Giusiani M, Pellegrini A, Blandini F, Ruggieri S, Paparelli A. DNA damage and ubiquitinated neuronal inclusions in the substantia nigra and striatum of mice following MDMA (ecstasy). Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2004; 173:353-63. [PMID: 14673567 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-003-1708-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2003] [Accepted: 11/04/2003] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is an amphetamine derivative, which is neurotoxic to both serotonin (5HT) and dopamine (DA) nerve terminals. Previous reports, carried out in rodents and non-human primates, demonstrated neurotoxicity to monoamine axon terminals, although no study has analyzed nigral and striatal cell bodies at the sub-cellular level. OBJECTIVE In this study, we examined intrinsic nigral and striatal cells, and PC12 cell cultures to evaluate whether, in mice, MDMA might affect nigral and striatal cell bodies. METHODS After administering MDMA, we analyzed effects induced in vivo and in vitro using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, light- and electron microscopy with immunocytochemistry, and DNA comet assay. RESULTS We found that MDMA (5 mg/kg x4, 2 h apart), besides a decrease of nigrostriatal DA innervation and 5HT loss, produces neuronal inclusions within nigral and intrinsic striatal neurons consisting of multi-layer ubiquitin-positive whorls extending to the nucleus of the cell. These fine morphological changes are associated with clustering of heat shock protein (HSP)-70 in the nucleus, very close to chromatin filaments. In the same experimental conditions, we could detect oxidation of DNA bases followed by DNA damage. The nature of inclusions was further investigated using PC12 cell cultures. CONCLUSIONS The present findings lead to re-consideration of the neurotoxic consequences of MDMA administration. In fact, occurrence of ubiquitin-positive neuronal inclusions and DNA damage both in nigral and striatal cells sheds new light into the fine alterations induced by MDMA, also suggesting the involvement of nuclear and cytoplasmic components of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in MDMA toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Fornai
- Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
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25
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Fornai F, Lazzeri G, Lenzi P, Gesi M, Ferrucci M, Soldani P, Pellegrini A, Capobianco L, De Blasi A, Ruggieri S, Paparelli A. Amphetamines induce ubiquitin-positive inclusions within striatal cells. Neurol Sci 2003; 24:182-3. [PMID: 14598077 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-003-0120-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The present study explores whether effects induced by amphetamine derivatives on striatal GABA cells might be connected with effects on dopamine (DA) metabolism. Methamphetamine (METH) and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "ecstasy") were administered to C57Black mice following a dosage regimen in which various doses of both drugs were injected i.p. at 2-h intervals. Neuronal inclusions produced under these experimental conditions were examined under electron microscopy. Drugs reducing DA availability prevented inclusion formation; conversely we observed that increasing DA synthesis or impairing physiological DA degradation enhanced the number of inclusions. The present study indicates that the presence of extracellular striatal DA is essential for the production of subcellular alterations induced by amphetamine derivatives. This is in line with a recent hypothesis connecting striatal DA release with degeneration of striatal GABA neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Fornai
- Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, Pisa, Italy
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26
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De Blasi A, Capobianco L, Iacovelli L, Lenzi P, Ferrucci M, Lazzeri G, Fornai F, Picascia A. Presence of β-arrestin in cellular inclusions in metamphetamine-treated PC12 cells. Neurol Sci 2003; 24:164-5. [PMID: 14598068 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-003-0111-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Cellular inclusions containing ubiquitin and alpha-synuclein were observed in PC12 cells treated with metamphetamine (MA). To study the possible involvement of beta-arrestin in inclusion formation, we treated PC12 cells with MA for different times and analyzed the ubiquitin proteosome pathway (UPP). We found that beta-arrestin is ubiquitinated in the MA-treated PC12 cell line. The involvement of beta-arrestin in UPP was further supported by electron microscopy and by confocal microscopy, which documented the presence of beta-arrestin in these Lewy body-like inclusions. Our experiments reveal an interesting and previously unappreciated connection between beta-arrestin and ubiquitination and suggest that beta-arrestin could be involved in the development of the inclusion bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A De Blasi
- I.N.M. Neuromed, località Camerelle, Pozzilli (IS), Italy
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Fornai F, Lenzi P, Gesi M, Ferrucci M, Lazzeri G, Natale G, Ruggieri S, Paparelli A. Recent knowledge on molecular components of Lewy bodies discloses future therapeutic strategies in Parkinson's disease. Curr Drug Targets CNS Neurol Disord 2003; 2:149-52. [PMID: 12769795 DOI: 10.2174/1568007033482904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Lewy bodies (LB) were first described by Lewy in 1912 [1] as neuronal pale eosinophilic inclusions which became a pathological hallmark of Parkinson s disease (PD). In his original study, Lewy defined these inclusions as pale eosinophilic cytoplasmic structures, and studies since then have revealed LB to be ubiquitin-, alpha-synuclein-, and parkin-containing inclusions. This suggests that knowledge of the biochemical steps involved in the genesis of LB might disclose a final common pathway which might be responsible for different types of inherited and sporadic parkinsonism. This would lead to the identification of new therapeutic targets for interfering with disease progression. Although LB were originally described solely in PD, in the last decade these inclusions were described in a spectrum of degenerative disorders ranging from pure movement disorders to dementia. This suggests that common biochemical alterations leading to the formation of intracellular inclusions might underlie various pathological conditions. Consequently, the knowledge of the biochemical steps involved in the formation of neuronal inclusions could represent a key to develop new therapeutic strategies. In recent years it has been possible to develop both in vitro and in vivo neuronal inclusions resembling Lewy bodies. These experimental approaches have ranged from the use of alpha-synuclein transgenic mice to the continuous exposure to a mitochondrial complex I inhibitor. The aim of the present paper is to review briefly, recent advances on Lewy body research to achieve new insight into the etiology of PD and the molecular events leading to neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Fornai
- Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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Natale G, Lazzeri G, Blandizzi C, Ferrucci M, Del Tacca M. Differential distribution of transforming growth factor-alpha immunohistochemistry within whole gastric mucosa in rats. Eur J Histochem 2003; 47:359-64. [PMID: 14706932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) plays an important role in both proliferation and differentiation of mucosal cells at the gastrointestinal level, including stomach, where it is constitutively produced. This study evaluated the immunohistochemical distribution of TGF-alpha within whole gastric mucosa in rats, through the examination of seriate sections. Each stomach was opened along the greater curvature, pinned upon a cork plate, fixed in formalin and cut in 2-mm parallel strips which were sequentially superimposed on a glass slide. Sections were immunostained for TGF-alpha and pictures were taken from three areas: greater and lesser curvature; mucosa lying between the two curvatures. The sections were graded on the basis of the intensity of TGF-alpha staining, which was scored as follows: 0) no staining; 1) weakly positive; 2) intensely positive. The percent number of immunopositive cells and a mean intensity were calculated. Gastric mucosa showed a marked immunopositivity to TGF-alpha, mainly in parietal cells whose cytoplasm displayed moderate to intense staining. Positive cells (and the mean intensity) of total mucosa were 15.7+/-6.1% (1.13+/-0.42). However, they were not uniformly distributed, being 26.3+/-1.9% (1.67+/-0.24) in the mucosa lying between the two curvatures, 12.4+/-2.5% (1.52+/-0.22) along the lesser curvature and 8.3+/-2.1% (0.31+/-0.17) along the greater curvature. These results show that parietal cells of rat gastric mucosa exhibit immunoreactivity to TGF-alpha. Considering the gastroprotective effects of this factor, its non-homogeneous distribution within different areas may be of importance in understanding the lesion pattern of gastric damage after the administration of noxious agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Natale
- Dipartimento di Morfologia Umana e Biologia Applicata, Università di Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
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Ferrucci M, Gesi M, Lenzi P, Soldani P, Ruffoli R, Pellegrini A, Ruggieri S, Paparelli A, Fornai F. Noradrenergic loss enhances MDMA toxicity and induces ubiquitin-positive striatal whorls. Neurol Sci 2002; 23 Suppl 2:S75-6. [PMID: 12548351 DOI: 10.1007/s100720200077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Movement disorders involve a number of neurodegenerative conditions, mostly affecting basal ganglia. Parkinson's disease (PD) is classically defined by the selective loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Administration of specific neurotoxins represents a common tool to reproduce this lesion. Among these, amphetamine derivatives act as powerful monoamine neurotoxins, impairing striatal dopamine (DA) axons in mice. Despite the well-investigated effects on striatal DA terminals, only sporadic studies have focused on the potential toxicity of amphetamines towards post-synaptic neurons within the striatum. In the present work we found that 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) produces ultrastructural alterations in striatal cells, featuring as membraneous whorls, positive for ubiquitin and heat shock protein 70. These morphological alterations were enhanced in locus coeruleus-lesioned mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ferrucci
- Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
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Fornai F, Gesi M, Lenzi P, Ferrucci M, Pellegrini A, Ruggieri S, Casini A, Paparelli A. Striatal postsynaptic ultrastructural alterations following methylenedioxymethamphetamine administration. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2002; 965:381-98. [PMID: 12105114 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2002.tb04180.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Amphetamine derivatives, such as methamphetamine (METH) and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), act as monoaminergic neurotoxins in the central nervous system. Although there are slight differences in their mechanism of action, these compounds share a final common pathway, which involves dopamine release and oxidative stress. Apart from striatal toxicity involving monoamine axons, no previous report evidenced any alteration at the striatal level concerning postsynaptic sites. Given the potential toxicity for extracellular dopamine at the striatal level, and the hypothesis for neurotoxic effects of dopamine on striatal medium-sized neurons in Huntington's disease, we evaluated at an ultrastructural level the effects of MDMA on intrinsic striatal neurons of the mouse. In this study, administering MDMA, we noted ultrastructural alterations of striatal postsynaptic GABAergic cells consisting of neuronal inclusions shaped as whorls of concentric membranes. These whorls stained for ubiquitin but not for synuclein and represent the first morphologic correlate of striatal postsynaptic effects induced by MDMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Fornai
- Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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Fornai F, Gesi M, Saviozzi M, Lenzi P, Piaggi S, Ferrucci M, Casini A. Immunohistochemical evidence and ultrastructural compartmentalization of a new antioxidant enzyme in the rat substantia nigra. J Neurocytol 2001; 30:97-105. [PMID: 11577248 DOI: 10.1023/a:1011973522055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
We previously described in the rat the presence of dehydroascorbate reductase, an enzyme regenerating ascorbic acid, which is constantly lost during oxidative processes occurring at a fast rate within the central nervous system. In the present study, we specifically evaluate the occurrence of this enzyme in the rat substantia nigra by using immunohistochemistry, and by analyzing the neuronal compartmentalization of dehydroascorbate reductase within nigral neurons by immunoblotting and transmission electron microscopy coupled with immunocytochemistry. The enzyme occurs in various portions of the substantia nigra, but it is more abundant in the ventromedial part extending through the ventral tegmental area, and the dorsal portion, involving the pars compacta. Within nigral neurons, the cytosolic enzyme is present in a perinuclear position, close to mitochondria, and in the nuclear membrane; we also found the enzyme in nigral axons close to the myelin sheath. In addition, dehydroascorbate reductase was present in the nucleus of nigral neurons. The nuclear occurrence of the enzyme was confirmed by immunocytochemical labelling and immunoblotting of isolated nuclei. The nuclear enzyme was constantly evident as clusters of immunogold particles on chromatin. This localization suggests new roles for dehydroascorbate reductase (eg. prevention of DNA oxidative damage and regulation of gene transcription).
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Affiliation(s)
- F Fornai
- Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, I-56100, Pisa, Italy.
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Gesi M, Fornai F, Lenzi P, Soldani P, Ferrucci M, Paparelli A. Ultrastructural localization of calcium deposits in rat myocardium after loud noise exposure. J Submicrosc Cytol Pathol 2000; 32:585-90. [PMID: 11297377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
In previous studies we demonstrated that loud noise exposure induces ultrastructural alterations in the rat myocardium together with an increase in noradrenergic activity and in mitochondrial calcium influx. To verify the causal relationship between myocardial calcium entry and ultrastructural alterations induced by loud noise, in the present study we coupled routine electron microscopy with cytochemistry specifically dedicated to visualize calcium accumulation (revealed as antimonate deposits). We observed that the ultrastructural alterations occurring in both atrium and ventricle after 12 h of noise exposure, were densely packed with antimonate deposits. In particular, enlargements of the sarcoplasmic reticulum and dilution of the mitochondrial matrix, observed during routine electron microscopy, were markedly positive for calcium accumulation when observed by using antimonate. The present data strongly suggest that calcium entry results in accumulation of this ion at myocardial subcellular level. Moreover, the present results joined with previous evidence indicate that calcium accumulation is the final common pathway responsible for noise-induced myocardial morphological alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Gesi
- Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy.
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Fornai F, Giorgi FS, Bassi L, Ferrucci M, Alessandrì MG, Corsini GU. Modulation of dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde extracellular levels in vivo in the rat striatum after different kinds of pharmacological treatment. Brain Res 2000; 861:126-34. [PMID: 10751572 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-8993(00)02054-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We recently identified the direct product of dopamine (DA) by monoamine-oxidase (MAO) activity, dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde (DOPALD) in the trans-striatal dialysate. Based on these findings, in this work, we directly measured the variations in DOPALD levels after various kinds of pharmacological treatment in rat striatal extracellular fluid. Using both reversible and irreversible MAO inhibitors, we found that MAO-A inhibition suppressed, whereas MAO-B inhibition did not modify DOPALD levels in the dialysate. The vesicular DA uptake blocker Ro 4-1284 led to an increase in extracellular DA and DOPALD, whereas the increase in extracellular DA obtained after administration of the plasma membrane DA uptake blocker GBR-12909 occurred without concomitant changes in DOPALD extracellular levels. Microinfusions of DA through the dialysis probe or systemic administration of L-DOPA increased striatal DOPALD to a greater extent compared with other DA metabolites, both in intact and in 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned striatum. This study indicates that the direct product of MAO activity within the rat striatum derives from the activity of the isoenzyme MAO-A. The assay of DOPALD, together with DOPAC, represents a reliable tool to measure directly, in freely moving animals, DA oxidative metabolism. As recent studies have shown that microinfusions of exogenous DOPALD might induce cell death, pharmacological modulation of DOPALD levels might also be relevant for an understanding of the mechanisms involved in DA neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Fornai
- Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Italy.
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De Martino M, Quarta G, Melpignano A, Guadalupi C, Vullo C, Ferrucci M, Saimot AG, Vierucci A. Antibodies to HTLV-III and the lymphadenopathy syndrome in multitransfused beta-thalassemia patients. Vox Sang 1985; 49:230-3. [PMID: 2996228 DOI: 10.1111/j.1423-0410.1985.tb00798.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Antibodies to HTLV-III have been investigated in 118 multitransfused beta-thalassemia patients. Thirteen patients (11.01%) were found to be positive; 3 of these 13 showed clinical and immunological signs of the lymphadenopathy syndrome. A retrospective study carried out on 65 sera has shown that at least 6 patients were negative 3 years before the present investigation. This is the first extensive study on HTLV-III infection in multitransfused beta-thalassemics. It suggests that these patients are at risk for the acquired immune deficiency syndrome and related diseases.
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Ferrucci M, Zavarini A. ELISA and TORCH complex: a comparison with the customary tests. Quad Sclavo Diagn 1982; 18:258-67. [PMID: 6306715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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36
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Ferrucci M, Dall'Ara G. [Immunological indexes of receptivity and seroconversion for rubella and toxoplasmosis in the province of Ferrara, Italy (author's transl)]. Ann Sclavo 1980; 22:606-23. [PMID: 7247503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
In the province of Ferrara (Italy) a programme for the prophylaxis against some connatal infections has been carried out through a "Service for the epidemiology and prevention of connatal rubella and toxoplasmosis", which has been instituted in 1978. The investigations on two female groups of different age (prepuberal and adult fecund women) have allowed to obtain the following data: 1. rebella infection has a high incidence yet in prepuberal age (10 years) when a percentage of 62.1 women have already acquired a strong immunity; this percentage arises to 85.0 in adult fecund women. The "conversion index" of 22.9 corresponds to the percentage of subjects who have got the infection in postpuberal, "at risk" age; 2. toxoplasmosis has different epidemiological features; its incidence is lower, in prepuberal age (31.7%), while it is higher (63.4%) in adult fecund women. The highest incidence between 15 and 20 years, and the highest "conversion index" (31.7) underline that, notwithstanding its lower infectiousness, the risk of connatal toxoplasmosis is higher than that of connatal rubella, as far as our country is concerned. Such epidemiological investigations are believed to be necessary to carry out a really useful programme for the prevention of connatal rubella and toxoplasmosis.
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Ferrucci M. [Serology of toxoplasmosis: review of tests currently in use for diagnosis and prevention]. Quad Sclavo Diagn 1980; 16:176-92. [PMID: 7017796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma infection stimulates a very rich answer in circulating antibodies, which are easily detected by many serological tests. Many years elapsed since 1948, when Sabin and Feldmann [28] carried out for the first time a dye test which is, still at present, the chief reference test for the numerous techniques which have been subsequently available. The aim of the present review, which is largely based on personal experiences, is to draw some conclusions on the meaning and usefulness of these tests, and on the best way to express their results. Though a special attention has been allowed to techniques using a whole cellular antigen (dye test, immunofluorescence, direct agglutination test) some useful hints are also given on CF, IHA and ELISA, which employ an extractive antigen. A special stress is layed on the usefulness, or, rather, the need to express results, whenever possible, in IU (International Units), in order to attribute a standard comparable meaning to the tests.
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Ferrucci M. [Prophylaxis of congenital rubella and toxoplasmosis. a complete, common programme proposed in the province of Ferrara (Italy) (author's transl)]. Ann Sclavo 1978; 20:510-25. [PMID: 753126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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39
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Ferrucci M, Querzoli V, Dall'Ara G, Ziosi A. [Epidemiology of Salmonella infections in the Province of Ferrara. 2-year study in a hospital environment]. Ann Sclavo 1977; 19:240-50. [PMID: 603267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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40
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Ferrucci M, Dall'Ara G, Carandina G, Querzoli. [Actualities on the epidemiology, prophylaxis and serological diagnosis of toxoplasmosis (author's transl)]. Ann Sclavo 1976; 18:649-77. [PMID: 1028386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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41
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Ferrucci M, Querzoli V, Dall'Ara G, Ferrari R. [Cross infection due to Salmonella Thompson in a pediatric clinical department]. Ann Sclavo 1975; 17:75-83. [PMID: 1230038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The Authors have carried out a programmed bacteriological investigation for the detection of Salmonella in 4 Clinical Departments for Children in the Arcispedale S. Anna of Ferrara. The researches, carried out for 7 months on a total of 2161 samples (mainly rectal swabs) have allowed to detect and study, in one Paediatric Department, a "hospital acquired cross-infection" by S. thompson, spreading in the environment and amongst the sanitary assistance staff. The percentage of positivity ranged, in the 4 Departments, from a minimum of 1,05 to a maximum of 5,56 and confirmed the endemic diffusion of Salmonella in the province of Ferrara. The Authors think it highly advisable to carry out systematic researches amongst the patients and the assistance staff in order to avoid "hospital acquired cross-infections" by Salmonella, and the dangerous condition of "chronic carrier".
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Dioli GL, Mazzoni S, Ferrucci M. [On the detection of the anti-measles antibodies in the spinal fluid of patients with multiple sclerosis]. Riv Neurobiol 1969; 15:63-71. [PMID: 5399616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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43
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Ferrucci M, Perini G. [Correlation between certain anthropometric and hematochemical values in a group of recruits from Ferrara]. Ann Med Nav (Roma) 1968; 73:339-50. [PMID: 5741486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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44
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Bugiardini G, Fabio U, Ferrucci M, Provvisionato CA. [Observations on the resistance of Toxoplasma gondii to the cold]. G Batteriol Virol Immunol Ann Osp Maria Vittor Torino 1967; 60:396-406. [PMID: 5606355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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45
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Ferrucci M, Spena A, Pennisi G. [Aspermia and guanethidine (further experimental research)]. Acta Med Ital Med Trop Subtrop Gastroenterol 1964; 19:35-7. [PMID: 5175726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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46
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Spena A, Pennisi G, Ferrucci M. [Aspermia and guanethidine. Experimental research]. Acta Med Ital Med Trop Subtrop Gastroenterol 1964; 19:7-9. [PMID: 5175734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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